Reggaeton, salsa, and bachata were just a few of the genre’s students learned to dance to on Oct. 17. Baila Las Cruces, in collaboration with Latin American Programs and Visit Las Cruces, brought free “Latin Flo” dance lessons to campus .
Lorena Torres is a dance instructor and enthusiast who teaches a variety of Latin dances across Las Cruces such as salsa, merengue, and line dance, encompassing them all within classes she calls “Latin Flo,” or “LoFlo.”
“I would say that the [LoFlo] foundation is definitely sassy groove,” Torres said. “You know, like real sassy with it, and you just groove and flow and move in a way that makes you feel good.”
Torres said she’s been a dance teacher since she was 14 years old; making her start as a lead choreographer of various dance teams, but focusing on Latin Flo starting in 2022. Currently, she’s a pop-in instructor for various dance studios.
“I make it welcoming for beginners by just helping them really, truly believe that there’s no right or wrong,” Torres said. “Like, do you see any judges here? Where’s the panel? There is no panel, you know, so there’s really no right or wrong.”
Torres hopes to encourage people to overcome fear and be themselves when taking her lessons.
“I want people to take away that No. 1, you do know how to dance,” Torres said. “No. 2, you can do scary things and be just fine at the end of it, and to just not be afraid to let yourself free.”
Among the crowd, attendees included NMSU students, visitors, and friends. Giovanny Rosales and Ziggy Saravia are two students who explained what encouraged them to dance.
“In order for you to learn the dance, you also learn about the history,” Rosales said. “Theres a lot of interesting history…[dance] is the culmination of it.”
Along with learning about cultures and their history, Saravia shared his experience with dance as a stress-reliever.
“It’s just the energy that you get from it,” Saravia said. “Life is so stressful that you’re just like, ‘Let the music set me free for like, three hours.’ It doesn’t matter how you move, or whether you know how to dance or don’t.”
Saravia included his experience getting surgery and not being able to exercise. He uses dance and Torres’ dance lessons as a way to move without injuring himself.
Andrea Quintal is a marketer for Latin American Programs that joined in on the dancing. She explained what encouraged her to participate in the fun.
“My favorite part is the first moment when it finally clicks with the music,” Quintal said. “When you finally get the beat, and you’re like, ‘Okay, this actually makes sense.’”
Latin American Programs included their plans to host another Baila Las Cruces Event with Torres. It will take place this Nov. 20 in the Aggie Lounge, Corbett Center. Students can also find more information on Latin Flo on Torres’ Instagram.
“Dance to create joy. Release stress and negativity, and just live in the moment.” Torres said.
![NMSU Dream Team Organizers [from left to right] Jovanny (he/him/el), Alberto (he/him/el), and Sarai (she/her/elle).](https://nmsuroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Image-1.jpeg)
